Business People

As a business person, particularly now, you need to know there is someone in your corner. At this time of global economic crisis, we would be in a much less advantageous position if we were not part of the EU.

We are all aware of the crucial role that the European Central Bank (ECB) has played in cutting interest rates, which has brought great relief to business people generally (as well as to mortgage holders). The ECB has also demonstrated its importance in stabilising markets by lending to banks and contributing to liquidity.

The European Economic Recovery Plan (agreed in December 2008), includes an injection of €200 billion into the economies of Member States and an increase in yearly contributions from the European Investment Bank in the form of loans, equity, guarantees and risk sharing financing.

As a business person, particularly now, you need to know there is someone in your corner. Ireland, together with our colleagues in the EU, are working together, now more than ever, to ensure that Ireland and the EU together can combat the global economic crisis and regain competitiveness.

Ireland, as part of the European Union, works in the EU to help businesses grow by:

Opening up export markets both within the EU, through the single market of nearly 500 million people in the 27 member states, and outside through EU trade deals and participation in the WTO process.

Supporting EU trademarks and designs, making sure the ideas of entrepreneurs and inventors are protected and promoted.